Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin Signed Photo Could Sell For $25K: Why It's So Valuable

President Donald Trump's friendship with Russian President Vladimir Putin has been a topic of conversation over the past several years and the recent emergence of a rare signed photo of the two world leaders will seemingly continue that discussion. On July 15, the unusual piece could sell for up to $25K, which may leave some asking why this particular item is worth so much.

The image in question depicts Trump and Putin shaking hands at the controversial July 2018 Helsinki summit. After emerging from an off-the-record two-hour conversation, POTUS then went on to contradict reports created by U.S. intelligence agencies as he stated his belief that Russia had not had a reason to meddle in the 2016 presidential election. As reported by the BBC, the meeting resulted in harsh words from many, including some notable figures within the Republican party. At the time, U.S. House Speaker Paul Ryan stated that Trump "must appreciate that Russia is not our ally."

Now, leading up to the 2020 election, President Trump's highly-discussed interaction with Putin is once again in the public eye thanks to the auction of the signed photo. The piece, which has a starting bid of $7,500, is "boldly signed in black marker by both controversial world leaders across their respective images," as stated in the listing from Alexander Historical Auctions.

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The 12 x 8.25-inch satin finish photograph is also accompanied by a "signed letter of provenance" from a Russian political figure who was able to obtain the Russian president's signature in March 2020 during a meeting between Putin and Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. The former "Apprentice" star's signature allegedly ended up on the photograph due to a "closely-placed election aide" at a Trump rally a few months later.

As for why the signed picture is so rare, it is believed to be "the first, and quite possibly the only photograph signed by both Trump and Putin." Therefore, the listing for the piece, which is said to be in "very fine, untouched condition," is estimated to sell for between $15K and $25K. Once the auction concludes, it is expected to be shipped to its new owner within two to three weeks after payment is received.

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Aside from the upcoming sale of the pricy image, President Trump has remained in the news for other notable reasons, including earning support from an unexpected celebrity after a recent photo op and facing criticism for using various songs at his campaign rallies leading up to the 2020 election, where he will seemingly face off against presumptive democratic nominee Joe Biden.